Donna B. Gawell is an accomplished genealogist, historian, and award-recognized author whose work brings the past to life through both historical fiction and carefully researched nonfiction. With a deep passion for family heritage and Central European history, she is best known for illuminating the experiences of ordinary people caught in extraordinary times.

Donna’s historical novels, including In the Shadow of Salem and War and Resistance in the Wilderness (both selected for the Ohioana Book Festival), demonstrate her gift for blending meticulous research with compelling storytelling. Her nonfiction titles Our Polish Ancestors, Travel Back to Your Polish Roots, and Poland at Your Pace have guided many readers in discovering their immigrant heritage and reconnecting with relatives in Europe.

A frequent contributor to genealogy and history publications, Donna has written widely on Polish history, World War II, and ancestral research. Her articles have appeared in outlets such as U.S. Catholic Magazine, Military History Now, the Ohio Genealogy Society Quarterly, and Substack.

Donna earned a master’s degree in Speech Pathology and devoted more than thirty-five years to the field of education. Today, she is a popular presenter on genealogy, travel, history, and family history writing for community and historical organizations. She and her husband, Mark, regularly travel to Poland, collaborating with local historians to uncover little-known stories of courage and survival.

In addition to her writing and speaking, Donna serves in volunteer leadership roles with Samaritan’s Purse. She connects with readers and fellow researchers through her website, DonnaGawell.com, where she shares resources, insights, and inspiration for those passionate about history and family roots.